Creeping Barberry

Creeping barberry (Berberis repens), also called creeping mahonia, is a low evergreen groundcover native to western and central North America. Its holly-like leaves, yellow spring flowers and blue-black berries provide seasonal interest, while its short spreading growth makes it useful beneath shrubs and along dry-shade edges. ## Landscape use Use it as a groundcover or for erosion control in a planting with room for gradual spread. The [North Carolina Extension profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/berberis-repens/common-name/creeping-hollygrape/) describes stoloniferous growth and a typical height and spread of 1–2 feet. Kew recognizes B. repens as an accepted temperate subshrub native to western Canada and the western and central United States. ## Size and siting North Carolina Extension lists USDA hardiness zones 4b–9b. Grow in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained, acidic soil; the Extension profile notes that it may need winter protection at the northern edge of its range. ## Maintenance Keep moisture steady during establishment and avoid waterlogged soil. Trim only to manage spread or remove damaged growth. Spring flowers are lightly fragrant and attract pollinators; the later blue-black berries are edible but sour and may attract birds. The evergreen foliage can take purple or red tones in winter.